Top 5: Players to represent a different national team

With the World Cup just around the corner, let's look at five players who opted to represent different national teams to the country they were born.

5. Marko Marin

The Bosnian-born attacking midfielder has chosen to play for Germany, due to his move to Frankfurt as a child. In 2010, the 25-year-old stated that he never recieved a call-up from Bosnia & Herzegovina and because of that, had no doubts about who to pick. He has represented The Eagles on 16 occasions and scored only one goal. As Joachim Low wasn't satisfied with his plays at the 2010 World Cup, Marin hasn't been selected since then.

4. Lukas Podolski

Another German representative who found a second home just accros the border. The Gunner was capped for the first time back in 2004, at the age of 19. He could've represent Poland, but in 2003, their coach Pawel Janas said that the team has much better strikers and doesn't see a point in calling him up. It turned out very bad for Poland, but great for Lukas. The same thing happened to Miroslav Klose, and although he was called up by the Polish head coach, he decided to refuse the offer. He would also be on this list if he wouldn't be retiring soon.

3. Kevin-Prince Boateng

Yes, I know what you're thinking about and no - I'm not referring to Jerome Boateng. These brothers were born in Germany, but they were both elibigle to play for Ghana because of their father's origin. One has chosen Ghana, the other has chosen Germany. Schalke's player has joined the African squad just a month before the South Africa World Cup, playing previous for Germany U-21. On that World Cup, Kevin had faced Jerome as the two teams met in a group game. Jerome's team have won by just a one goal difference.

2. Pepe

Combative central defender moved to Portugal in 2001, aged 18. He developed his European career playing in Primeira, firstly for Maritimo and later for the current champions - Porto. Real Madrid has recognised the Brazilian's ability and paid 30 million euros for his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu in 2007. As Dunga hasn't called him up, Pepe made a Portugal debut the same year and has got 57 appearances until now.

1. Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid's striker found himself between two national teams, making a debut for Selecao in March 2013, but at the end, he chose Spain. Vicente Del Bosque called him up for a friendly versus Italy in February 2014. As Luis Felipe Scolari failed to keep Costa, he'll have to look elsewhere for players of his qualities. Also, he currently holds no.3 on goalscoring sheet with 25 goals in 30 matches, right behind Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Atletico Madrid are on the best way to success and with players like this one, they could lift La Liga trophy.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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